O+ Festival ready to lift off in Kingston

Friday

Oct 5, 2012 at 2:00 AM

Jason Sebastian Russo says he hasn't had medical coverage since his Hudson Valley high school years. So the 39-year-old founder of Hopewell, an indie-rock band with a little psychedelic edge, says one of a musician's worst fears is to get sick on tour.

Deborah J. Botti

Jason Sebastian Russo says he hasn't had medical coverage since his Hudson Valley high school years. So the 39-year-old founder of Hopewell, an indie-rock band with a little psychedelic edge, says one of a musician's worst fears is to get sick on tour.

"Except in Europe. You get better health care in England," he says. "If a band member gets strep, it's only about $8 for the amoxicillin equivalent.

"On a musician's budget, I can't afford to buy medical insurance. I have to pay rent, food, and then everything else in a downward, descending order," he says.

That's part of why he left the Kingston-Rosendale area, his home for 10 years, for Brooklyn.

"I can make a little more money for each gig, and the public transportation is so good I don't need a car," says Russo, singer and guitarist.

Although he may now receive mail in Brooklyn, he's still deeply connected to the region, and to this weekend's O+ Festival, which kicks off tonight with a parade. As a friend of the festival's founders, he's been a part of it from its start three years ago. Hopewell will again be performing, Saturday night at Keegan Ales.

Musicians and artists participating in this three-day event are eligible to receive various medical and wellness services from practitioners who appreciate the arts.

"It's a nice opportunity to have your teeth cleaned," says Russo. "Or acupuncture or physical therapy for the wear-and-tear on my guitar arm. ... And it feels good because you're providing a service — in my case transporting a band and performing, so it's fair trade, not a handout."

Carla Rozman, a graphic designer who does magazine work and creates identities for small businesses, is among the more fortunate artists. She can afford basic health insurance. Still, as a contributing artist, she is entitled to receive services.

"I'm definitely going to yoga and getting a massage," she says of the wellness practices that her insurance does not cover, but are part of the festival founders' commitment to well-being. Rozman was part of the initial planning meetings between like-minded peers and artists' friends who happened to be in the medical field.

"We were of varying working ages with different medical needs and decided, 'Hey, let's just all help each other,'" says Rozman, who donated her graphic design abilities.

Rozman created eight 4-by-6-feet posters that are based on a published book of poems, "How to Be Perfect," by Ron Padgett. They are on display on the outsides of buildings throughout the Stockade district.

"The posters are about change," she says. "By following their reminders, for example, 'Be friendly. It will make you happy,' we can make step-by-step choices toward a more healthy and fulfilling life."

O+ is also taking steps to expand this weekend's events. Marvar says; for example, there are discount follow-ups with primary-care providers.

"And there are sliding-scale insurance options offered through the Institute of Family Health, a big part of our clinic," she says. "Dr. Art (Chandler, a co-founder) says plans are in the air to partner with other nonprofit groups that have year-round models ... and there's also a considerable chance that we will be expanding to other cities in the coming year."